The Oakland Athletics 2016 season\u00a0was forgettable to say the least. \u00a0After a promising\u00a0month of April, the A\u2019s went on to\u00a0post a record of 69-93, a one win improvement on their 2015 record and good enough for last in the AL West. Following a\u00a0disappointing campaign, the organization announced that\u00a0Lew Wolff would be stepping down from his role as managing partner and majority owner John Fisher would take his place. \u00a0The A\u2019s also replaced their team president, Michael Crowley, with\u00a0the San Jose Earthquake\u2019s Dave Kaval. \u00a0While expectations for the 2017 campaign remain tempered, A\u2019s fans are hopeful that the changeup in management is a sign of better days to come.<\/p>\n
Note: my rankings are based on player ceilings and the likelihood they will reach that ceiling.\u00a0 The tiers are defined below.<\/p>\n
Prospects1500 Tiers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Tier 1:<\/strong>\u00a0Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years<\/p>\n Tier 2:<\/strong>\u00a0Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor<\/p>\n Tier 3:<\/strong>\u00a0Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor<\/p>\n Tier 4:<\/strong>\u00a0Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)<\/p>\n Tier 5:<\/strong>\u00a0Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team\u2019s 40-man roster<\/p>\n If you feel like I slighted your favorite prospect or disagree with my rankings feel free to rake me over the coals in the comments.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tier 1:<\/strong> 2. A.J. Puk,\u00a0LHP<\/strong> 4. Jharel Cotton, RHP 5. Grant Holmes, RHP 6. Matt Chapman, 3B 7. Daniel Gossett, RHP 8. Renato Nunez, 3B 10. Matt Olson, RF\/1B 11. Norge Ruiz, RHP 12. Max Schrock, 2B 13. Heath Fillmyer, RHP 14. Daulton Jefferies, RHP 15. Jaycob Brugman, OF 16. Logan Shore, RHP 17. Raul Alcantara, RHP 18. Chad Pinder, 2B 19. Yairo Munoz,\u00a0INF 20. Marcos Brito,\u00a0SS 21. Richie Martin,\u00a0SS 22. Bruce Maxwell,\u00a0C 24. Dakota Chalmers,\u00a0RHP 25. Sandber Pimentel,\u00a01B\/DH 26. Skylar Szynski,\u00a0RHP 27. Luis Barrera,\u00a0OF
\n1. Franklin Barreto, SS\/2B
\n<\/strong>As of January 21, 2017<\/em> – Age: 20 (DOB 2\/27\/1996)
\nA J2 signing\u00a0out of Venezuela by the Blue Jays<\/a> in 2012, Barreto was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Josh Donaldson over to Toronto. \u00a0Since then he\u2019s made quick work of the A\u2019s system, making his PCL debut at the ripe old age of 20. \u00a0While his power tool has been slow to develop, his advanced approach at the plate and his plus speed on the basepaths translated into a AA slash line of .281\/.340\/.413 and 30\/45 stealing. \u00a0Though he is serviceable at short, his range and arm are better suited for second \u2013 he started over a third of his games there in 2016; with the shortstop position currently filled by emerging star Marcus Semien, expect Barreto to further increase his reps at second down at AAA.\u00a0 He also played a few games in center with Toronto, and while the A\u2019s show no sign of moving him from the infield, he could be a temporary answer to the black hole that is center field in Oakland.\u00a0 Barreto will start the year in Nashville but if he continues to outperform his peers expect him to make his debut sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 21 (DOB 4\/25\/1995)
\nOnce a consensus top-3 pick, Puk slipped down to #6 overall in the 2016 draft.\u00a0 He\u2019s got a simple repertoire: mid-upper-90s fastball, decent changeup, and an inconsistent slider that shows promise but needs more work.\u00a0 He\u2019s not afraid to pound the zone, striking out 40 in 32 2\/3 innings while only walking 12.\u00a0 Puk showed decent development in college ball he will most likely need a few more years to develop his mechanics and fill out his 6\u20197\u201d frame.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy to see Puk slot into the middle of the rotation with the potential to be #2 starter someday.<\/p>\n
\n<\/u><\/strong>Tier 2:<\/strong>
\n3. Frankie Montas,\u00a0RHP
\n<\/strong>Age: 23 (DOB 3\/21\/1993)
\nIt may surprise some people to see Montas this high but I can\u2019t write him off just yet and neither should you.\u00a0 A highly touted prospect that has struggled with injuries, he\u2019s been traded twice in the past year – first in a three-team trade between CHW-CIN-LAD and then more recently in the LAD-OAK deal for Josh Reddick and Rich Hill.\u00a0 Luckily for Oakland he seems to be on the path to finally putting it together.\u00a0 In the Arizona Fall League he put elite numbers, posting a 0.53 ERA in 17 innings as a reliever.\u00a0 Though he has a truly electric fastball (capable of hitting triple digits), for him to truly succeed as a starter he needs to improve his changeup and get more consistent with his slider.\u00a0 If he doesn\u2019t, he may be relegated to the bullpen.\u00a0 Either way, he\u2019ll have a legitimate chance at a major league role this season with the ability to make a significant difference.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 25 (DOB 1\/19\/1992)
\nOf everyone on this list Cotton is the most major league ready, starting five games for Oakland last year after coming over from the Dodgers<\/a>. Even though no one expects him to repeat his 2.15 ERA many see him as a viable #3 or #4 starter. He\u2019s got a great changeup and an above average fastball to go with a low BB\/9.\u00a0 His penchant for giving up the longball will be negated slightly by the Coliseum but if history is anything to fall back on then you can expect him to give up more than his fair share.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 20 (DOB 3\/22\/1996)
\nOriginally the headliner in the Dodger package for Reddick and Hill, Holmes has dropped a bit in the prospect lists after strong showings from Cotton in the majors and Montas in the AFL. While he\u2019ll probably never be an ace, Holmes has the ingredients to be a quality #2 or #3 guy. He\u2019s got a solid slider, 12-6 curve, and change to go along with a plus fastball that tops out around 95-95. He held his own over the course of a long season, posting a 8.3 SO\/9 in 134 innings pitched.\u00a0 The ERA really blew up after he moved organizations but he\u2019s still young and has shown signs of improvement in each successive year.\u00a0 If he can put it all together this season he\u2019ll be poised to make his debut sometime late 2018.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 23 (DOB 4\/28\/1993)
\nIn 514 ABs last year, Chapman hit 36 home runs and struck out 173 times. That kind of power is hard to come by at any level but he seriously needs to work on his contact if he wants to cut down on those SOs. The glove and the arm might get him to the show but he needs some refining before facing major league pitching. The recently signed Trevor Plouffe will likely act as a stopgap until Chapman is ready to be promoted.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 24 (DOB 11\/13\/1992)
\nAfter being drafted in the second round of 2014 draft, Gosset has moved quickly through the A\u2019s system earning himself a non-roster invitation to spring training. He\u2019s got average stuff and he\u2019ll never blow guys away but he\u2019s proven himself as a quality strike thrower and inning eater. If he doesn\u2019t start the year on the active roster he\u2019ll be there before July, grading out as a solid back of the rotation guy if nothing else.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 22 (DOB 4\/4\/1994)
\nThink of Nunez as a stronger Matt Chapman without the glove or OBP. He\u2019s got significant power but struggles with the strikeout, punching out 119 times in 505 at bats. The reason he\u2019s so high on this list is because he\u2019s still young and has posted better numbers in the past.\u00a0 He will most likely start the year at AAA but between him and Chapman sharing time someone will have to move.\u00a0 Nunez\u2019s power is a bit more developed and that may be the deciding factor on who gets promoted first.\u00a0 Either way he\u2019s worth keeping an eye on.<\/p>\n
\n<\/u><\/strong>Tier 3:
\n<\/strong>9. Lazaro Armenteros, OF
\n<\/strong>Age: 17 (DOB 5\/22\/1999)
\nLazaro is a long ways off but his strength and athleticism make him easy target for fanciful projections (I\u2019ve seen once scout say he could be a 30\/30 type). He\u2019s got great bad speed and lifts the ball well but needs to adjust a long looping swing. He\u2019s #9 on this list based purely on talent and at 17 years old he\u2019s got a lot of time to develop it.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 22 (DOB 3\/29\/1994)
\nDrafted in the first round in 2012, Olson has consistently topped Oakland A\u2019s prospect lists for the past four years. He burst onto the scene in 2013 and 2014 hitting a combined 60 home runs between A and high A but has since cooled off. He\u2019s got a promising .100 delta between his batting average and his on base percentage but he needs to work on his contact (especially against lefties) if he hopes to make it in the majors. \u00a0Another prospect who will start the year in AAA but will be knocking on the door if he has a strong early showing.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 22 (DOB 3\/15\/1994)
\nRuiz recently signed out of Cuba as an international amateur and hasn\u2019t pitched professionally in over a year. He\u2019s advertised as a middle of the rotation guy with a serviceable fastball and competent breaking ball that was good enough for a pretty high K\/9 in Cuba. The A\u2019s are littered with average RHPs right now so they have no reason to rush Ruiz to the bigs.\u00a0 If he performs in his first year against minor league hitters expect him to get invited to spring training in 2018.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 22 (DOB 10\/12\/1994)
\nSchrock moved very quickly through the minors this year, starting the year at A in Washington\u2019s system and finishing up AA with Oakland. He\u2019s an athletic guy who will hit for contact, posting a .331 batting average over 534 at bats. He really came out of nowhere this year so it\u2019s exciting to see what 2017 will bring for him.\u00a0 If he improves his OBP the A\u2019s may be looking at the answer to the revolving door that is their second base.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 22 (DOB 5\/16\/1994)
\nAn aggressive pitcher with good control, Fillmyer is another back of the rotation option for the A\u2019s. Where he lacks \u2013 7.9 K\/9 between A+ and AA \u2013 he makes up for in weak contact, generated mostly by hard sinking action on his fastball. He only started putting up good numbers last year so it will be interesting to see how he fairs after a full year at AA.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 21 (DOB 8\/2\/1995)
\nJefferies was taken in the first round of the 2016 draft and it\u2019s easy to see why. He\u2019s got easy arm strength with a smooth delivery and sound mechanics. The fastball is above average and the slider and the changeup are a work in progress.\u00a0 The nagging shoulder injury is a legitimate concern but the potential is there for a future at the front of the rotation.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 25 (DOB 1\/18\/1992)
\nBrugman was a 17th<\/sup> round draft pick by the A\u2019s in 2013 and has continued to outperform expectations. In 609 plate appearances between AA and AAA Brugman slashed .285\/.347\/.438 with 52 BBs and 121 SOs. He struggles against lefties but projects to be a valuable platoon bat in an extra-outfielder role.\u00a0 Because the A\u2019s are without a CF Brugman has a fighting chance at getting a shot at the starting job.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 22 (DOB 12\/28\/1994)
\nWhile the fastball is just barely average, Shore has the command and changeup of a ten year veteran. If he develops an extra pitch he could seriously improve his utility, with his ceiling right now being a #4 starter. That being said Shore has succeeded at every level and is poised to move quickly through the A\u2019s system.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 24 (DOB 12\/4\/1992)
\nAlcantara posted decent numbers between AA and AAA in 2016 but got absolutely rocked in his 22 major league innings. His fastball is good and his changeup and slider are not bad but he needs to work on getting ahead in the count. He will have the first shot at the #5 spot in the rotation but will need to establish himself quickly if he wants to stay around.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 24 (DOB 3\/29\/1992)
\nPinder got his first taste of the majors last September where he put up mostly unremarkable numbers. He stands out from the other 2B options in his ability to hit for extra bases, though that also comes with the reality of a 25% strike out clip. It\u2019s hard to see him as anything more than a utility guy with some pop.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 21 (DOB 1\/23\/1995)
\nMunoz put up good numbers at AA this year and earned himself a trip to the AFL and the 40-man roster. That alone makes him worth a closer look but he needs improve his approach at the plate if he ever hopes to improve his average. He\u2019s one of the many 2B options the A\u2019s will inevitably try out but it doesn\u2019t seem that he will ever live up to the hype that he once had.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 16 (DOB 3\/6\/2000)
\nBrito was another one of the international signings the A\u2019s made this year. He\u2019s a switch hitter who seems to favor the left but generates good contact from both sides. He\u2019s still very young but the frame and athleticism are enough to profile him as a future starter someday.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 22 (DOB 12\/22\/1994)
\nMartin was the A\u2019s number one pick in last year\u2019s amateur draft and is probably the best defensive shortstop in the organization. The problem is his bat \u2013 or lack thereof. He still has time to develop but the below-average bat speed and inability to get on base are not promising signs of future growth.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 26 (DOB 12\/20\/1990)
\nMaxwell is all but confirmed as the backup catcher for next year\u2019s A\u2019s. After debuting last year he slashed .283\/.337\/.402 in 101 plate appearances while playing solid defense. If he puts up similar numbers in 2017 he\u2019ll be one of the better backups in the league (for whatever that\u2019s worth).<\/p>\n
\nTier 4<\/u><\/strong>:
\n<\/strong>23. Dillon Overton,\u00a0LHP
\n<\/strong>Age: 25 (DOB 8\/17\/1991)
\nWhile he certainly did not impress in his September call-up (12 home runs in 24 innings) he will be in the running for a spot in the back of the rotation. He\u2019s probably better suited for long relief.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 20 (DOB 8\/8\/1996)
\nChalmers has a good fastball and an OK slider that he struggles to throw for strikes. He\u2019s a starter for now but the bullpen would provide a greater ceiling for him.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 22 (DOB 9\/12\/1994)
\nSandber has some serious raw power but needs more development to reach his true potential. There\u2019s still time for him to improve his approach but as of now he projects to be a three-true-outcomes kind of guy.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 19 (DOB 7\/14\/1997)
\nIt\u2019s rare to see a high school guy with three good pitches but that\u2019s what Szynski offers. He\u2019s still very raw but he will have a lot of time to develop.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Age: 21 (DOB 11\/15\/1995)
\nBarrera is not a great runner or fielder but he\u2019s got a great approach and makes hard contact. He will more than likely move to one of the corner outfield spots in the near future.<\/p>\n